The 28th and 29th September will see Thame Food Festival building on the phenomenal success of last year. Local charities raised thousands of pounds last year, and this year will see an even more extensive line-up.
As a Community Interest Company (CIC) Thame Food Festival is a not-for-profit organisation that has long endeavoured to support local charities. This is obviously alongside its core goal of supporting artisan producers and promoting British food. Each year it seeks to grow the festival, but keep strong roots in the local and national food community and this year this will include creating more of an overall visitor experience and in turn supporting more charities.
A significant addition will be to include the local foodbank which was set up by Sharing Life Trust about 15 years ago. Although in many ways, Thame and its surrounding villages are seen as an affluent community, many individuals, couples and families are in financial difficulties or really struggle. This is why the foodbank was originally established and run by a small team of volunteers. Sadly demand for their services is increasing and therefore as Thame Food Festival has a natural food relationship the organisers were keen to use the event to promote and support this good cause. This will involve a drop off and display area, plus the opportunity for stallholders at the end of the second day to donate any produce they don’t want to take back.
The foodbank will also be joined by what is becoming a traditional part of the line-up - all the canine frolics and delights of the Hearing Dogs for Deaf People demonstrations and the ever popular Dog Show. Plus Thomley in Worminghall will be featuring again with an even bigger dedicated Children’s Activity Area to make sure everyone, including the littlest foodies are sure to have a great time. In addition, Aylesbury Vale Diabetes, who provide practical, life-enhancing education and information and support, will also be joining over the two days to run activities and raise funds for this crucial cause.
As Lotte Duncan, Patron and Organiser of Thame Food Festival says, “While the festival has always obviously had its focus on food, we have been extremely proud to assist many of the wonderful good work that local charities do. And this year we are able to support even more than ever, while also giving them an opportunity to publicise and raise their awareness.”
